Album Review
Abkehr “In Blut” [Vendetta]
atavist 10/11/2022 12-inch, A Library
Abkehr is German for departure, turning away, renunciation, estrangement. With “In Blut” (In Blood) we have reverb-drenched atmospheric black metal from Germany. The audio quality is such that the reverb sound does not pose a detriment to the other tones. This is a solid recording with articulate guitar work, satisfying bass tone, and hissing/wailing vocals that don’t overpower the mix. Some compare this to Leviathan, a prominent figure in the US atmospheric black metal scene, and I think I hear what they’re hearing. The concept and execution reminds me of some of the black metal and BM-adjacent sounds of the previous decade. Side 1 (tracks I and II) is good, while Side 2 is better. Track III features a massive death march played at doom tempo. Insatiable, it threatens to devour the world before capitulating at last. Track IV begins with a simple guitar riff that evokes a desolation before the main din arises to envelope the listener in its cloak of hatred, until finally withdrawing into the black night.
you heard it 18 times on kfjc! most recently:
- 25 days ago, David James played I
- 39 days ago, Whinger played IV
- 40 days ago, Avakhov played III
- 42 days ago, David James played III
- 46 days ago, Jay Omega played III
12345 S. El Monte Road Los Altos Hills, California 94022
Public Inspection File
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